Martin O'Neill is set to hand the captain's armband to Stiliyan Petrov against Wigan at Villa Park on Saturday as the Bulgarian has recovered from a shoulder injury in time to play.
Petrov could line up alongside new boy Fabian Delph in midfield while Steve Sidwell and Nigel Reo-Coker provide more than able alternatives.
Luke Young is definitely out of the clash so new signing from Newcastle Habib Beye or Craig Gardner will start at right-back.
O'Neill also has a tough choice to make up front as he picks two from Gabby Agbonlahor, Nathan Delfouneso, John Carew and former Latics front man Emile Heskey.
New Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will face a dilemma of who to pick in the centre of midfield after influential anchor Lee Cattermole linked up with former gaffer Steve Bruce at Sunderland.
Jason Scotland is set to start up front alongside Hugo Rodallega while Jordi Gomez, who like Scotland joined from Swansea this summer, will also start.
Likely Villa XI:
1. Friedel
23. Beye 15. Davies 24. Cuellar 21. Shorey
8. Milner 4. Sidwell 19. Petrov 7. A Young
10. Carew 11. Agbonlahor